The Minnesota Wild are entering a tense offseason as restricted free agent Marco Rossi remains unsigned, leaving his future with the team uncertain. Rossi, a 2020 first-round pick, scored 60 points in 82 games last season, finishing second on the team in scoring and establishing himself as one of the league’s rising stars. With his prime years approaching, Rossi is seeking a long-term contract to secure his future.
At the same time, the Wild appear hesitant to commit to a long-term deal at the scale Rossi’s camp reportedly desires. According to Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, Rossi’s representatives were rumored to be seeking a seven-year deal worth around $49 million, but Minnesota’s management does not feel comfortable making that commitment at this time.
The standoff has created growing speculation about Rossi‘s participation in the upcoming training camp, raising questions about whether the forward could potentially sit out if a satisfactory agreement isn’t reached.
Could Marco Rossi sit out training camp?
On the latest episode of the Sekeres and Price Show, hosts discussed Rossi’s options, noting that the contract negotiations have stalled over the past two months. Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects suggested that Rossi might skip the Wild’s training camp if the situation remains unresolved.
Marco Rossi #23 of the Minnesota Wild celebrates a goal during the third period of a game against the Utah Hockey Club at Delta Center on December 10, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
“Training camp will be kind of where the rubber meets the road there. It’s like are you going to come back and play for us at the number we want? Or are you going to sit out?” Robinson explained.
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The prolonged discussions leave both parties weighing their next moves. Rossi wants to play for Minnesota, while the team seeks either a favorable contract or a potential return in a trade.
How the Wild are handling the situation
Wild General Manager Bill Guerin has indicated that the team is prepared to match any offer sheet for Rossi, signaling their commitment to retaining him. “We’re prepared. We will match. It’s not an issue with us,” Guerin said. Historical precedent shows that preparation is key when offer sheets are submitted, and Minnesota is ready to respond appropriately.
SurveyWhat should Marco Rossi do if the Wild and his camp cannot agree on a contract before training camp?
What should Marco Rossi do if the Wild and his camp cannot agree on a contract before training camp?
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As training camp approaches, Rossi’s contract situation remains unresolved. If no agreement is reached, a holdout could impact his preparation and performance in the upcoming season, leaving both Rossi and the Wild at a critical decision point.
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